Optical Express has grown to become one of Europe’s leading providers of laser eye surgery. It operates over 200 clinics, of which 100 are specifically designated laser consultation clinics and 54 are laser treatment clinics.
With locations throughout the UK, Holland, Germany, Ireland, France and Croatia, Optical Express has carried out over one million laser eye surgery procedures worldwide. What’s more, over 99% of patients would recommend Optical Express to their friends and family.
Pros: Value for money, caring surgeons, 128 UK clinics, latest technology, dedicated aftercare
Cons: No fixed prices (talk to them for a quote)
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote.
- Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
- Prices
- Treatments
- The Verdict
- Surgeon Reviews
- 1,806 Patient Reviews
1. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
I’m very happy with my laser treatment. There’s nothing to worry about – there’s no pain, and I would recommend it to anybody. The aftercare at Optical Express is also very good. I just wish i had done it years ago. – Philip Lavelle
Optical Express uses world leading technology, and their laser platform – the VISX S4IR – delivers safe, accurate and precise results. Fun fact: Optical Express is the only vision correction provider to invest in the iFS150 intraLASE in each of its clinics – the same technology that led to NASA backing laser eye surgery for astronauts in 2007.
Over 99% of Optical Express patients achieved 20/20 vision or better following treatment, according to a study carried out in June 2017.
With over 25 years’ experience in eye care, Optical Express boasts excellent surgical outcomes, and has invested £400 million in technology to offer advanced methods for vision correction.
Optical Express has 128 clinics in the UK alone – far more than any other eye surgery provider. Its locations include London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dublin, with many more situated in all corners of the country.
Here is how nearly 2,000 real customers rate Optical Express for its clinic, cost, treatments and surgeons:
| Optical Express Rating Overall | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (4.6 out of 5) | (4.5 out of 5) | (4.8 out of 5) | (4.5 out of 5) | (4.7 out of 5) |
CQC Rating: Good
- Treating people with respect and involving them in their care
- Providing care, treatment and support that meets people’s needs
- Caring for people’s safely and protecting them from harm
- Staffing
- Quality and suitability of management
2. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Cost
True, it was an expensive operation, but I spent £500 a year on contact lenses and optician appointments – I see it as an investment! – Dave Reyner
(4.8 out of 5)
Laser eye surgery at Optical Express costs from just £595, or from £1,995 for lens replacement surgery. Of course, these prices depend on the treatment you choose, as well as your prescription, so you’ll want to pop in for a free consultation to get a tailored quote.
Optical Express is one of the cheapest laser eye surgery clinics in the UK. Its prices are well below average, compared to over 70 leading eye clinics and hospitals nationwide.
There are also a range of pay monthly finance options, so you can benefit from eye surgery for less than £50 a month – and it’s 0% finance for 10 month contracts.
Are there any hidden costs? No, the consultation is free, and you even get free eye tests worth £800. The only downside is not having fixed prices like at Optegra and Optimax, but at least the costs are lower at the end of the day.
Here are the prices of some of Optical Express’ popular lens and laser surgery options:
| Eye Surgery Procedure | Price (per eye) | Finance Options (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | From £595 | £49.50 (10 months on 0% APR, £100 deposit) |
| LASIK | From £1,195 | £42.02 (for 18 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| LASEK (with iDesign) | From £1,495 | £41.69 (for 24 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| LASIK (with iDesign) | From £1,495 | £46.35 (for 24 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Monofocal lens surgery | From £1,995 | £48.89 (for 36 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Multifocal lens surgery | From £3,195 | £47.39 (for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Phakic IOL | From £3,395 | £47.39 (for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| YAG | From £595 | N/A |
☛ Want a tailored quote? The only way to compare exact quotes is to see an eye expert for a check-up. These can cost up to £250, but with our simple tool, you can find out how much laser or lens surgery will cost you at Optical Express for free.
3. Laser Eye Surgery Treatments
Fantastic! I am so pleased I has the treatment – playing sports is so much easier! All the staff were very helpful, reassuring, and happy answering my questions. I’ll definitely be recommending Optical Express to everyone, their service is excellent! – Stephanie Yeadon
(4.7 out of 5)
Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is a simple procedure that can correct your vision in a matter of minutes. Optical Express offers the most popular types: LASIK and LASEK (if you are not suitable for the surgical LASIK).
In both treatments, a cool beam advanced laser reshapes the cornea (the surface of your eye). Optical Express uses a technology called iDesign, which is based on Wavefront technology and takes thousands of eye measurements to produce the best results.
Lens Replacement
Optical Express has 20 years’ experience in lens replacement surgery. This surgery is a popular treatment for people with long distance vision, short distance vision, and even cataracts.
An eye consultant can help you decide which surgery best suits your needs:
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE) – This surgery replaces the natural lens with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
- Phakic IOL – This type of IOL is an alternative to laser eye surgery for patients with strong prescriptions.
- YAG laser treatment – YAG laser capsulotomy is a non-invasive procedure used to treat refractive former lens exchange patients whose vision starts to fade over the years.
Cataract Surgery
Optical Express performs the highest number of cataract surgeries – after the NHS, according to its website.
Cataracts are small, blurry patches on your eyes, giving you cloudy vision. Cataract surgery involves removing your damaged lens, and replacing it with a premium synthetic one for sharper near and distance vision.
Aftercare
Optical Express custom-fits its aftercare plan to every patient. This plan includes any medication that will aid the healing process, optometrist-led follow-up appointments, and an out-of-hours medical helpline.
Patients receive 12 months’ continued care as standard, and Optical Express recommends annual examinations to maintain your eye health.
Safety Record
All surgical procedures carry a degree of risk. However, laser eye surgery has an impressive success rate, and is the most popular elective surgery in the world.
99.2% of patients achieved at least 20|20 vision following surgery at Optical Express, based on a study of 190,231 Optical Express patients with the most common prescriptions. That’s why this eye clinic promises 20|20 vision or your money back.
Just be aware that the risks increase the more complicated the surgery. Optical Express will provide a screening service to check whether you are suitable for surgical treatment.
4. The Verdict
I can highly recommend Optical Express. They are very professional, and the procedure was pain free. The best thing now is I can see very well without glasses – and it was only done 3 weeks ago. – Elaine Gibson
(4.6 out of 5)
Optical Express is the best voted place for laser and lens replacement surgery, based on nearly 9,000 independent reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002. With hard-to-beat prices, leading technology, and fully qualified surgeons, this clinic tops the list of best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, as well as taking the crown for:
- Best eye surgery in London
- Best eye surgery in Scotland
- Best eye surgery in Manchester
- Best eye surgery in Bristol
But is it right for you? The only way to find out is to see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and to get a tailored quote. That’s why we make it easy to pop in for a free consultation, have free eye tests (worth £800), and talk through your options with an eye expert.
Next steps: Our simple tool helps thousands of readers a day get one step closer to 20/20 sight:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
- Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you can get surgery (we don’t share your number with anyone else)
- Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust for a free eye test (worth £800) and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive a tailored quote.
5. Optical Express Surgeons
Mr Mehul Damani
MBBS, MS, DOMS, DNB, FRCS
Mr Luca Antico
MD
Mr Manek Patel
MD, RCOph
Mr Dimitri Kazakos
MD, MRCOphth
Dr Mohammed Shabbar Kazmi
MBBS, FRCS(Opth)
Mr Jonathan Carr
MD MA(Cantab) FRCOphth
Doctor Jan Venter
MD
Mr Khalid Khan
MBBS FRCS FRCOphth
Mr Jacobus Pauw
MBChB MMedOphth FCSOphth
Mr Sanjay Mantry
FRCOphth FRCS FRCS
Mr Andre Oberholster
MBChb MMedOphth
Mr Stefan Klopper
MBChB FCS
Mr Waseem Aziz
MB ChB FRCS
Mr Alex George
FRCOphth, FRCS MS, DOMS, DNB
6. Optical Express Reviews
janine lauder
i received the highest standard of customer service with the results being amazing and no discomfort during the procedure or after,well worth the money and a very helpfull and pleasant team thankyou very much.
janinecoleman
I was very pleased with the results from the moment after my surgery. it is unbelieveable the difference it has made!
Dawn Copsey
I Have just had my 3 month check up in Milton Keynes, My sight just keeps getting better and Better! Everything as been so good from the inital Consultation to today. I only have positive things to say, It's been the most wonderful experience and I would recommend the surgery and this Centre to all (I had Lasik Wavefront)
Sharon Ord
I had my surgery on 8/8/06 at Milton Keynes. After my consultation, I was told that I was suitable and opted for the LASIK, Wavefront. I was very scared on the day of my procedure, but very reassured by the staff. The procedure itself was not painful but unpleasant. The good thing is it is over within seconds. Immediately afterwards my eyes were very sore and watery and impossible to open. After a short sleep this improved greatly. A month on, I now have better than 20:20 vision. Absolutely no regrets.
Anne
Hi Had my treatment (Lasik wavefront) on Tuesday 5 September at Bluewater. What can I say, hardly any waiting around they test your eyes twice before the actual procdure to make sure you can still go ahead. Staff were brilliant very helpful and kind explained each step and understood that it was nervous for us waiting, it was good to know that some of the staff there had undergone the treatment themselves so it was peace of mind. Before the procdure the surgeon explained again the procdure and what to expect again although very nervous I wanted to understand what was about to happen. A nurse offered to hold my hand and once in the laser room it was very quick. No pain at all, the eyes are held open by an object that is springy and if you struggle against it may be uncomfortable but I felt no pain and relaxed after the first eye was done as I then knew what to expect on the second eye. Eyes wanted to close about 15 minutes after the procdure. Straight after the treatment I was put into a dark room then checked by a nurse then by the surgeon drops went in and then I was given the all clear to go. Like I say eyes wanted to close so I had a lay down, eyes felt a little gritty for about 2 hours but slept it off. After about 5 hours eyes felt good not dry or gritty and I had good vision that improved as the day wore on. The next day I could see everything which is brilliant and was given the all clear to drive at the 24 hour check, I was told that I had 20 20 vision but vision will still improve over the next few weeks. This has been the best thing I have done better than glasses or contacts feel as if I have some freedom for the first time having worn glasses for 20 years. If you are thinking of having it done then go for it, prices are better than other places £1400 was the total price for me but will differ from person to person but if you weigh up the cost of glasses and contacts over the years its worth it. I would recommend Bluewater for treatment.
Bev
I was in and out within the hour - lunch break service !!!!!
Dan Chandegra
Apart from the long delay, on day of surgery everything went like clock work. I had a consultation with Ultralase too. In comparison Optical Express were a lot more competitive on price. Considering the same machinery is used and the service was great I saw no reason not to go with Optical Express. My prescription was -3.50 in both eyes. Now it is better than 20/20!! In fact it was better than 20/20 the next day. I suffer no dryness, no glare at night and would recommend Optical Express to anybody! Excellent service and excellent job! It’s been 6 weeks now and everything is great!
Vic Brailsford
WOW, fantastic, all the staff at optical express Manchester i salute you, thankyou so much, my vision was 20/20 within 48hrs, being a comedy entertainer i cant tell you what a supprise it was to see all of my audiance for the first time in years, and my first show was 4 days after my treatment, its like a new world, Optical Express ''i love you'' Bobby Dazzler'x
jane pigford
I had Lasek wavefront surgery in June 2006 at Optical Express in Newcastle. I paid £1295 per eye (who pays £395?), but the benefit of no longer needing glasses or contact lenses is well worth it. The procedure itself was uncomfortable, as opposed to being painful, and for a couple of hours after my eyes felt really gritty. After that they were fine and I could see by teatime. The next day I had driving standard vision and now have better than 20/20 vision. My only bugbear was that as a user of daily disposable contact lens I had accumulated 5 months of spares. If I had been asked whether I had these I could have put their value (£125) toward the surgery. As it was, after the surgery I returned them and was offered gift vouchers (not much use now!) Eventually after alot of discussion I was offered cash and vouchers which I accepted. I would just say to anybody with a stock of lens, please mention at your initial consultation. Aside from this I would definitely recommend both the surgery and the clinic. The staff were all really helpful and professional.
Stephanie Hamilton
Consultation Store - St Enochs Centre, Glasgow Surgery Store - Glasgow Eye Clinic I decided to get Laser Eye Surgery after seeing on web Optical Express. Michael and Kelly put me at ease straight from the first appointment, explained everything and I have never looked back since. My eye sight is marvellous, my eyes are now too strong to wear glasses using computers and the after care is second to none, always making sure that there are no problems. I wished I had done it years ago as it has given me so much confidence.
